'ILM UL QUR'AN

(Introduction to Holy Qur'an)

Qur’an (    ) is derived from three letters,       Qaf, Ra and Alif

Qiraat is also derived from the same root.

Qaari also derived from the same root, it means one who does the recitation

QIRAAT

Qiraat has two meanings,

1. that which is read.

2. that which is compiled.

In its very meaning it foretells that this.  Book will be read for all times to come.  There is prophecy in the meaning of the Holy Qur'an.  No other book can be called Qur'an.  Maulana Jalaaluddin Sayuti Rahmatullah alaihi in “Al ltqaan " has included 55 names of Holy Qur'an such as

• Al Furqan (       ) The Criterion,

• Adh Dhikr (      ) The Remembrance,

• Al Kitaab The Book,

• Al Hudaa   The Guidance,

• Ash Shifaa The Healing etc.

REGARDING THE CONTENTS OF THE HOLY QUR’AN:

Like all languages, the basic unit of Holy Qur'an is called Harf (letter).  In addition, with a combination of letters (Huroof) a word is made.  With a combination of some words an Ayah (     ) is made.

Ayah means line or verse.  Its literal meaning is "sign".  Ayah is called a sign because it is a challenge for all to produce a live of Holy Qur'an.  Therefore it is a living miracle; each line (ayah) is a miraculous challenge.  The combination of many “ayah” (   ) or lines forms a Ruku' (     ) which means chapter or section.  A combination of Ruku'aat (        ) or sections form a Sura (      ) which means, enclosure, height, boundary, meaning thereby that it is an independent chapter.  A Sura can be very long such as Suratul Baqara (           ) containing forty Ruku'aat.  It can also be very brief, such as Suratul Kauthar which is comprised of only three ayaah.

There are 114 Suwar (chapters) in the Holy Qur'an.  Eighty six were sent down at Mekkatul Mukarramah and twenty eight were sent down at Madinatul Munawwarah.  The Holy Qur'an contains 30 Juz'un (   ) or parts.  Each part (or Juz) containing one or more Suwar.  Some contain sections of the longest Sura, Al Baqara.

The Holy Qur'an is also divided into seven Manaazil (  ) which means, a building or stage, meaning that the Holy Qur'an is derived or built of seven stages.  The following are the details of each Manzil (stage),

Manzil # 1: Suratul Fatiha to Suratun Nisaa

Manzil # 2: Suratul Maa'ida to Suratul Taubah.

Manzil # 3: Suratul Yunus to Suratul Nahl.

Manzil # 4: Suratul Bani Israaeel to Suratul Furqaan.

Manzil # 5: Suratul Shuraa to Suratul Yaseen.

Manzil # 6: Suratul Saffat to Suratul Hujuraat.

Manzil ft 7: Suratul Qaf to Suratul Naas.